Lokoya

Lokoya was established in 1995 by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke with a singular focus on mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's most elevated appellations. The name honors the Lokoya Native American tribe that historically inhabited the Mount Veeder area. The winery occupies the former Yverdon Vineyard property, which recorded its first harvest in 1971. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter took over in the early 2000s and has guided the wines to their current acclaim, including 14 perfect 100-point scores since the winery's founding.

• Founded 1995 by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke
• Named for the Lokoya Native American tribe of Mount Veeder
• Situated on the former Yverdon Vineyard (first harvest 1971)
• Christopher Carpenter became winemaker in the early 2000s

Lokoya sources from four separate Napa Valley mountain appellations: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain District, and Diamond Mountain District. Vineyard elevations span from 500 to 2,600 feet depending on the block, placing all sources firmly in Napa's high-altitude mountain category. Soils vary by site and include volcanic soils, loam, and lean quick-draining soils that naturally limit vine vigor and concentrate flavors. The estate tasting room sits at 3,787 Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena at an elevation of 2,100 feet. The Howell Mountain block, known as W.S. Keyes, was planted in 1888, making it among Napa Valley's oldest continuously farmed vineyard sites.

• Four appellations: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain District, Diamond Mountain District
• Elevations range from 500 to 2,600 feet across all vineyard blocks
• Soils include volcanic, loam, and lean quick-draining types
• W.S. Keyes Howell Mountain vineyard planted in 1888

Every Lokoya wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard source. Fermentation relies entirely on native yeast, preserving site-specific character without commercial inoculants. Aging takes place in French oak for 18 to 22 months. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, a choice that protects texture and aromatic complexity. These minimal-intervention decisions, combined with the intensity inherent to mountain-grown fruit, define Lokoya's reputation as one of Napa Valley's most sought-after cult producers.

• 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, single-vineyard, limited production
• Native yeast fermentation only
• French oak aging for 18 to 22 months
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Lokoya's mountain vineyards benefit from growing conditions that differ markedly from Napa Valley's valley floor. Cool daytime temperatures and moderate overall conditions slow ripening and build complexity. Vineyards situated above the fog line remain frost-free while still benefiting from cool mornings. The combination of lean, well-drained soils and reduced yields typical of mountain terrain produces fruit with concentrated flavors, firm structure, and naturally high acidity.

• Cool daytime temperatures slow ripening and extend the growing season
• Sites above the fog line benefit from frost-free conditions
• Lean, quick-draining soils restrict yields and concentrate flavors
• Mountain conditions produce structured, high-acid Cabernet Sauvignon